Lipstick Week Day 5: The Reds & The Essentials

If you've been following me on Instagram, you'll notice that I have been sporting red lipsticks for the past couple of weeks. I don't usually wear red lipstick out, but I have been forcing myself to use up lipsticks I don't normally use. My excessive hoarding is creeping up on me - I look at my makeup "collection" and I just cringe. Anyway, I thought I'd show you what products I've been using, and how I apply it on.

To prep my lips, I use the Jack Black Lip Balm which is so far, the best lip balm I've ever used. I apply the balm on before doing my makeup routine to soften up my lips. I take it off immediately before I apply the lipstick because I like my lips to look matte. To help me line and define my lips, I use the Real Techniques Definer brush. I have a vanity mirror on my desk, but when I need to reapply my lipstick, I reach for my Forever 21 Cat Compact Mirror. The TCFS Remover Stick is actually marketed for removing eye makeup, but I don't see anything wrong in using it to remove smudged lipsticks.

The Stain

If you're so used to wearing nude and soft pinks, and want to venture to the ~world of reds, a stain would be perfect for you. The best thing about stains is that it gives you the sort of "just bitten" lips look. Stains also have an insanely good staying power - once you put it on, it wouldn't budge for hours. No lipstick on the teeth, too!

I used the Etude House Cupcake All Over Color in Raspberry Mousse. I like this because it gives me just the slightest hint of color - though you can build the color up if you want, too.

Almost-but-not-Quite

If you want a little step up from stains, but don't want to dive into bright reds, then "almost but not quite" colors are you. To me, brown-based red shades are the easiest to wear. It's still red but but it looks a little like a MLBB ('my lips but better') shade. I used Revlon Fabulous Fig here.

The Red

Okay, so you've finally had the guts to wear a real red out.. What shade should you buy? MAC Russian Red is one of the best-selling lipstick shade of the brand, and there is no doubt why. It's a bright, blue-based shade of red - flattering for every skin color. It's not as intense as Ruby Woo so it's a little easier to wear.

Go Bold or Go Home

Wet n Wild Cherrybomb (pictured here) is a color that reminds me of the fruit Duhat ('Java Plum'). It's a beautiful blackened berry shade. Dark, strong berry-red shades aren't for the faint heart, and only a few people can wear it, and actually make it work.

TIP: You want your lips to stand out, so go ahead and even out your skin (use extra coverage concealer when needed). Define your eyebrows - this step is super important because your brows frame your face. You don't want unruly brows when you're sporting a perfectly applied lipstick, right? Opt to use a bronzer instead of a blush, and go easy on the eyeshadow!